Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017 vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017

Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

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Overview - Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017 vs KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

In terms of engine and drive train, the Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017 features an in-line engine with a power output of 142 HP and torque of 111 Nm. It utilizes a chain transmission and has four cylinders. The engine is a 4-stroke with a displacement of 1043 ccm. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 has a V-type engine with a more powerful output of 175 HP and torque of 141 Nm. It also uses a chain transmission and has two cylinders. The engine is a 4-stroke with a displacement of 1301 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks in the front. However, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 has a slightly longer travel of 125 mm compared to the 120 mm of the Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017. Both motorcycles have adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for the front suspension. In the rear, they both have swing arm suspensions with monoshocks. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 has a longer travel of 156 mm compared to the 144 mm of the Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017. Both motorcycles have adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for the rear suspension.

Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017

Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes in the front. However, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 has larger diameter disks of 320 mm compared to the 300 mm disks of the Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017. Both motorcycles have radial, monoblock, and petal technology for the front brakes. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 uses Brembo brakes while the Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017 uses Tokico brakes.

In terms of assistance systems, both motorcycles have advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control. However, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 has additional features like hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have the same front and rear tire widths and diameters. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1482 mm compared to the 1440 mm of the Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017. The seat height of the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 is also slightly higher at 835 mm compared to the 815 mm of the Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017. Additionally, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 has a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters compared to the 19 liters of the Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017.

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017 is praised for its great tuned engine, strong brakes, and easy driveability combined with high performance. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 is praised for its very potent engine with massive power, extremely precise chassis, agile handling, well-controlled brakes, good wind protection with an easily adjustable windshield, top ergonomics even for tall riders, long range, and ample equipment as standard.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017 is sensitive to tire choice. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021 is criticized for its hard chassis and saddle, engine only accelerating smoothly from around 3500 revs, and being very loud with the Track Pack.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017 compared to KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore77 mmBore108 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke71 mm
Engine powerEngine power142 HPEngine power175 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,870 rpm
TorqueTorque111 NmTorque141 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,300 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio13.2
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,043 ccmDisplacement1,301 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel125 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel144 mmTravel156 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameChromium-molybdenum
RakeRake65.5 degreeRake65.1 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountSemi-SchwimmsattelShock mountFixed caliper
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, Monoblock, PetalTechnologyradial, Monoblock
BrandBrandTokicoBrandBrembo

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter240 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width190 mmRear tyre width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height50 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,440 mmWheelbase1,482 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height815 mmSeat Height835 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity19 lFuel Tank Capacity23 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017

Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017

The nakedbike genes of the original Z1000 have fortunately been retained in the right areas, but the bike has been consistently tuned for touring suitability. An adapted seating position with a clearly comfortable seat (also and especially for the pillion rider), a finely controllable engine and sufficient wind protection provide the optimal basis for long, extensive and not least sporty rides. The rather compact knee angle might cause some of you to take an early break on long rides. In return, however, you get an upright riding position in which you can freely develop your upper body. The Z1000SX is a reduced to the essential touring bike with a top price-performance ratio! One thing in particular stood out: you don't always have to have all the electronic "helpers" on board to create a sporty bike that rides very well - a TOP sports tourer at a favourable price compared to the other two bikes!

Noticeable increase in power compared to the Versys 1000

Sensitive in-line four-cylinder that can be dosed in a controlled manner

The price-performance winner among the tested sports touring bikes

Ideal compromise between sportiness and touring capabilities

Electronically rather rudimentary

instruments not optimally readable in direct sunlight

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021

The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is clearly focussed on sport touring, but can also impress with its long-distance qualities. If you are looking for a true all-rounder and don't mind the looks, you can't go wrong with the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT!

Powerful engine

Agile handling

7 inch display

Seating position

Comfort

Height-adjustable windscreen

Jerking below 2,500 rpm

Unconventional look: shift assistant at extra cost

Price Comparison Average Market Price Kawasaki Z1000SX vs KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017 and a KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2021. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z1000SX with 103 days compared to 138 days for a KTM 1290 Super Duke GT. Since model year 2011 1000PS.de editors have written 14 reviews for the Kawasaki Z1000SX and 22 reviews for the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT since model year 2016. The first review for the Kawasaki Z1000SX was published on 05/10/2010 and now has more than 9,900 views. This compares to more than 23,600 views for the first review on KTM 1290 Super Duke GT published on 17/11/2015.

Price Kawasaki Z1000SX

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Model year
Current average market prices

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